Assistive Technology Investigations:

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What is Assistive Technology?

1. Watch these presentations:

What is AT?


From FCTD:

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2. How is Assistive Technology Considered? Implemented?

IEP_and_AT.pdf

• Details
• Download
• 220 KB

and
Essential that you skim/read this MA DESE Document!!
Or view this draft of a multimedia version of Access to Learning:
Multimedia Access to Learning

Are you wondering if YOUR student could benefit from AT for Reading or Writing? Skim through these Tools to help:

• A Framework for Assistive Technology Consideration and Implementation:
  
  The SETT Framework Scaffolds (2005) available through: http://www.joyzabala.com/Docume
• Protocol for Accommodations in Reading: http://donjohnston.com/upar/#.VMOnUmR4rLM
• Decoste Writing Profile: http://donjohnston.com/decoste-writing-protocol/#.VMOnk2R4rLM

Optional Additional resources for deeper exploration of AT procedures :

• Quality Indicators for Assistive Technology: http://www.qiat.org
• Wisconsin Assistive Technology Initiative: http://www.wati.org/?pageLoad=content/supports/free/index.php
• Georgia Project for Assistive Technology: http://www.gpat.org/Georgia-Project-for-Assistive-Technology/Pages/default.aspx

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3. How is AT used in the Classroom/Community? User Story Videos

Explore your choice of user videos to see the power of AT for these individuals.

• Pacer Center Videos: AT in Action Meet Elle, Brody, Mason, Jared and Others

• Assistiveware Video Case Studies - View your choice of user stories, especially for physical dysfunction and AAC.

• Struggling Student to Ivy League:
• Assistive Technology Rocks my Classroom - Elina's Story K-12
• District 75 NYC Videos

Read:

• Literacy, Assistive Technology and Students with Significant Disabilities (Erickson, Karen, et al)
• Blog: https://agrainofsalt1.wordpress.com/2017/06/05/communication-aids-and-icebergs/
• It was recently the 25th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Find out about ADA here:
  • https://share.america.gov/crawling-up-steps-demand-their-rights/

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4. What is Augmentative and Alternative Communication AAC?

• Watch this video for a general overview of AAC:

• Watch A User Story:

• Watch a Great PowToon Video by Chris Bugaj about Aided Language Stimulation:

Visit these web sites and preview a selection of case studies of AAC users.

• http://www.prentrom.com/success

• http://www.assistiveware.com/user-videos
• and a wonderful collection of AAC success stories pinned by Lauren Enders:
  • https://www.pinterest.com/lasenders/aac-success-storiesvideos/
• Watch this video about Emma presenting,"My Body Does Not Obey my Mind."
• OPTIONAL Other resources for AAC and Severe Special Needs AT Support:
  • http://teachinglearnerswithmultipleneeds.blogspot.com
  • www.praacticalaac.org
  • www.lburkhart.com
  • www.janefarrall.com

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5. OPTIONAL MORE AT resources for you to explore:

• Recorded Webinars about AT topics:
• http://www.ctdinstitute.org/cafe
• Edutopia's AT Resource Roundup:
• http://www.edutopia.org/assistive-technology-resources
• Richard Byrne's Free Tech for Teachers
• http://www.freetech4teachers.com/p/about-richard-byrne-and-free-technology.html#.VMOm02R4rLM
• Mike Marotta's Chrome AT
• http://mmatp.com/chromeat/

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After you complete these investigations, please complete the related discussion post on Edmodo.

Prompt:

• Share your thoughts about your favorite explorations? Do you think AT can make a difference in a student's life? Do you think AAC users can communicate and be included in the classroom? Have you had any personal experiences with AT users that you would like to share?

Rubric:


Read through what others have written and feel free to add as many comments as you'd like. [15 points total]

Be sure to check the syllabus for the due dates for each related investigation discussion.

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